Marco Polo's Voyage to Indian Seas: 42: The City of Calatu

Calatu is a large city within the Gulf of the same name six hundred miles northwest from Dufar. [1] It is a noble sea port inhabited by Saracens who are subject to Cormos. When the Melik (king) of that city is at war with a more powerful prince he retires to this place, which is strong by nature and art, and finds himself safe.  The people have no grains but what they import.  Many ships bring the goods and spices of India, which are distributed throughout the interior, and many fine horses sent in return.
But I must observe that this city is at the mouth of the Gulf of Calatu (Gulf of Oman) so that the Melik can prevent vessels from sailing in or out of without his consent.  The power he often uses against the Sultan of 
Creman (Makran), for when that prince (Sultan) demands any exorbitant tribute from him or other vassals he removes from Cormos to Calatu and not allow ships to pass, when the Sultan of Creman suffers heavily and is obliged to abate his demands. The people of this country live on dates and salt fish, which are abundant. But many rich men are well supplied with better food.







Notes:-

1. Here is a factual error. Calatu is modern day Qalhat, around 700 miles northeast of Dhofar. It is on the southern shore of Gulf of Oman. Cormos is the Hormuz island in the Persian Gulf.

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